Hugh Mackay Public Lecture
Hugh Mackay Lecture
Hugh Mackay Public Lecture
Thurs. 10 May
6:30pm-7:30pm
Wests City, Cnr King and Union Streets Newcastle West
AUSTRALIA REIMAGINED Towards a more compassionate, less anxious society
Hear from Australia's most respected social researcher, Hugh Mackay, as he tours the country following the release of his nineteenth book, Australia Reimagined.
Twenty-five years ago, Hugh Mackay revolutionised Australian social analysis with the publication of Reinventing Australia. In his latest book, he draws on his 50 years' experience of listening to Australians talk about their lives and watching some big trends play out.
His book suggests why Australia's unprecedented run of economic growth has failed to deliver a more stable and harmonious society. He takes an unflinching look at us and offers some compelling proposals for a more compassionate and socially cohesive Australia.
In his own words, 'When it comes to our future, misplaced optimism is as dangerous as blind faith. What is needed is the courage to face the way things are, and the wisdom and imagination to work out how to make things better."
About the speaker:
Hugh Mackay's research career has spanned six decades, including twenty-five years as research director of The Mackay Report, publishing quarterly reports on all aspects of Australian life. Among many other appointments, he has been deputy chair of the Australia Council for the Arts, and is currently a patron of the Asylum Seekers Centre. In 2015, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia, marking his distinguished service to the community in the areas of social research and psychology.
This free public lecture is being hosted by the University’s Hunter Research Foundation (HRF) Centre and the Centre for 21st Century Humanities. Doors open from 6pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.